Photos: Best and worst breeds for new owners

As the happy new owner of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and as someone from a dog-loving family that has had 6+ dogs at a time since I was born, I had the idea to look around at what breeds are recommended for new owners, and which ones people tend to steer away from. I found two great lists at Vetstreet.com, here and here, and thought I would take some highlights from each and editorialize just a bit.

My opinions, of course, are just those of a dog owner of many years, and mostly come from first-hand experience. Please don’t attach any more weight to my views than you would a stranger on the street, and always consult an expert, such as a breeder or veterinarian, for specific questions or concerns about your own current or future dog.

Goldendoodles are the best of two worlds: the energy and loving loyalty of the golden retriever, and the hypoallergenic, non-shed fur and fluff of a poodle.
They look like something you buy at Build-a-Bear, and these dogs are nothing but fun. They love to play, they love to cuddle, and their wholehearted adoration for their family makes them incredibly ideal for new pet owners of any age. Be warned, however: as they're a "designer breed," and very popular, they cost quite a bit! less

Goldendoodles are the best of two worlds: the energy and loving loyalty of the golden retriever, and the hypoallergenic, non-shed fur and fluff of a poodle.
They look like something you buy at ... more

Photo: Barbara Helgason - Fotolia

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I just got a Pembroke Corgi puppy of my own, and while she's a monstrous thing when she gets cranky and overly excited, she's also the most loving, fun puppy I've ever had. She can run, and run, and run, she loves walks, loves to play with other dogs, and most of all, loves to cuddle when it's time to recharge her batteries with a nap.
She has learned incredibly fast what's allowed and what's not, and is becoming more and more well-behaved with each day of training.
While the original lists don't include Corgis, I'm including them myself out of adoration and appreciation for the breed. less

I just got a Pembroke Corgi puppy of my own, and while she's a monstrous thing when she gets cranky and overly excited, she's also the most loving, fun puppy I've ever had. She can run, and run, and run, she ... more

Photo: Dogs - Fotolia

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Boston Terriers are on Vetstreet's list of best first-time breeds, but I disagree. They're cute and playful, yes, but they also bark (and bark, and bark, and bark), and almost never run out of energy. Plus, it's all energy that they use to jump, climb, and otherwise bounce around your home.
While they're a lovely breed and incredibly friendly and loving, I would never recommend these dogs to first-time pet owners, nor to anyone living in a smaller home or apartment. less

Boston Terriers are on Vetstreet's list of best first-time breeds, but I disagree. They're cute and playful, yes, but they also bark (and bark, and bark, and bark), and almost never run out of energy. Plus, ... more

There's a reason the military and police forces overwhelmingly use German Shepherds as their service dogs: they're incredibly smart, and incredibly loyal. That said, they also use that intelligence to wreak havoc, especially when poorly trained. Keep in mind that the police and military train and bond with these dogs for their entire life; they put far more time into teaching them than you'd likely have.
As a result, for first time owners, these dogs can be absolute nightmares of chewing, preying on smaller pets or critters, and otherwise causing chaos. While incredibly attractive, brilliant pooches, I would say that anyone who wants a German Shepherd should both deeply consider the available time they have to train it, and also whether they should try owning a different, easier breed first. less

There's a reason the military and police forces overwhelmingly use German Shepherds as their service dogs: they're incredibly smart, and incredibly loyal. That said, they also use that intelligence to wreak ... more

Photo: biglama - Fotolia

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Rottweilers are big, tough, stubborn dogs. They're full of muscles and energy, and tend to be very protective. I wouldn't recommend them to a new owner because they take a lot of work, they need a lot of time to burn off energy every day, and they can be excessively aggressive when either improperly trained or stressed about their territory.
Again, like German Shepherds, they're gorgeous dogs, and not a bad breed at all, but definitely not a good choice for first timers. less

Rottweilers are big, tough, stubborn dogs. They're full of muscles and energy, and tend to be very protective. I wouldn't recommend them to a new owner because they take a lot of work, they need a lot of time ... more

Photo: Canadeez - Fotolia

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Huskies, like GSDs and Rottweilers, need lots of time and attention. In addition, they are escape artists, capable of getting away within seconds of a lapse in attention by their owner. They pull the leash, they're in charge of themselves, and they don['t take kindly to smaller animals or critters because of their largely predatory instincts.
They can be excellent companions in an only-dog home, or with a single owner who has nothing but free-time to devote to training, but they can be a destructive force of nature that doesn't quit for inexperienced first timers or unprepared buyers. less

Huskies, like GSDs and Rottweilers, need lots of time and attention. In addition, they are escape artists, capable of getting away within seconds of a lapse in attention by their owner. They pull the leash, ... more

Photo: Niklz / artSILENSEcom - Fotolia

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There's a reason the Lab is the most popular breed in America: they're the stereotype of the perfect dog. Big, a little dumb, playful, and absolutely loving and loyal, these dogs make great family pets, hunting dogs and walking companions. With energy that never runs out but a strong desire to play AND cuddle, caring for a lab is simple and makes their giant personalities seem even more attractive.
I'd easily rank this as the best dog for first-time owners. less

There's a reason the Lab is the most popular breed in America: they're the stereotype of the perfect dog. Big, a little dumb, playful, and absolutely loving and loyal, these dogs make great family pets, ... more

Puggles combine the best features of pugs and beagles, and the results are an adorable dog that has just the right amount of looks from each.
Playful, tough, and cuddly all at once, these pups are great for newcomers to dog ownership because of their controllable (but not tiny) size and their love of attention and playtime. less

Puggles combine the best features of pugs and beagles, and the results are an adorable dog that has just the right amount of looks from each.
Playful, tough, and cuddly all at once, these pups are great for ... more

Photo: Dana Evanger / DJ_38 - Fotolia

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The only dog I recommend as strongly as a Lab!
Goldens are big, fluffy and lovable, and make themselves at home anywhere they go. They love to run in snow, leaf piles, rain, and everything else, making them great hiking or walking companions. They also love to hang around inside and cuddle, meaning that you won't be stuck burning off all of your dog's energy with an extra-long walk every day.
Just like Vetstreet, I'd argue that Golden Retrievers should be just about at the top of any "best breed" lists, especially for new owners. less

The only dog I recommend as strongly as a Lab!
Goldens are big, fluffy and lovable, and make themselves at home anywhere they go. They love to run in snow, leaf piles, rain, and everything else, making them ... more

Photo: MilsiArt - Fotolia

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Boxers are corded muscle and excitement incarnate, with all kinds of habits both good and bad. I'm not sure which list I'd put them on, either; Vetstreet doesn't mention them at all, so I'll consult the community on this one: what do YOU think of Boxers? Good first dogs, or not? less

Boxers are corded muscle and excitement incarnate, with all kinds of habits both good and bad. I'm not sure which list I'd put them on, either; Vetstreet doesn't mention them at all, so I'll consult the ... more

Photo: DZIERZAWA / DoraZett - Fotolia

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American bulldogs, like Staffordshire Pitbulls, are incredibly dense and powerful. They will pull the leash, they will assert dominance, and they will want to be the one in charge of your relationship.
While they make great playmates, they can be aggressive towards smaller dogs and cats or critters, and very protective and jumpy with strangers. I would never recommend this breed to new dog owners, though a strong individual with solid blocks of free time and a sturdy will could likely undertake the breed (just be prepared for a challenge!). less

American bulldogs, like Staffordshire Pitbulls, are incredibly dense and powerful. They will pull the leash, they will assert dominance, and they will want to be the one in charge of your ... more

Photo: ysbrandcosijn - Fotolia

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St. Bernards are on Vetstreet's "bad first breed" list, but I wholeheartedly disagree! St. Bernards are big, fluffy piles of companionship, and while they shed and may drool (mine never has, but I've also known many that seem to leave a puddle behind them everywhere they go), they also love to just follow you around be with you. While they're absolutely massive, they're incredibly smart and easy to train, won't bowl you over on their leash, and enjoy being indoors and relaxing even more than they enjoy playing outside.
Despite their working dog roots, they favor cuddling and snoozing over hard exercise any day, and playtimes can be quick breaks between naps. less

St. Bernards are on Vetstreet's "bad first breed" list, but I wholeheartedly disagree! St. Bernards are big, fluffy piles of companionship, and while they shed and may drool (mine never has, but I've also ... more

Photo: swisshippo - Fotolia

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Poodles are comical, skinny, lanky pooches that, when groomed for show, look like the most ridiculous collection of fluff and bare skin ever.
At the same time, they're wonderful partners in crime, they love to socialize, and they bond intensely with their owner. They learn quickly, play hard, and love to relax afterwards, making them wonderful housepets for individuals and families alike. They can be pricey, but the investment is well worth the reward. less

Poodles are comical, skinny, lanky pooches that, when groomed for show, look like the most ridiculous collection of fluff and bare skin ever.
At the same time, they're wonderful partners in crime, they love ... more

Photo: absolutimages - Fotolia

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Jack Russells are fun-loving little dogs, but I wouldn't recommend them to new owners.
They like to bond with exactly one person, and their habits can quickly move from cute to yappy, and from playful to annoying. I recommend you try an easier breed first, or make sure you're ready to butt heads with this stubborn, insistent breed. less

Jack Russells are fun-loving little dogs, but I wouldn't recommend them to new owners.
They like to bond with exactly one person, and their habits can quickly move from cute to yappy, and from playful to ... more

Photo: Claudia Nagel - Fotolia

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"Yorkies" are adorable, little, and highly manageable. They love to sit on the couch and watch TV just as much as they love to fetch and wrestle. They socialize extremely well, and can learn very quickly not to let their barking become annoying.
Portable, trainable and adorable, I'd easily recommend Yorkies to any first time dog owner. less

"Yorkies" are adorable, little, and highly manageable. They love to sit on the couch and watch TV just as much as they love to fetch and wrestle. They socialize extremely well, and can learn very quickly not ... more

American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
I was hesitant to include this breed. While there is a very, very vocal community that defends it as a loving dog, which I don't necessarily dispute, I also favor caution over blind loyalty.
This breed is incredibly strong, dense, and tightly wound, making them a true project even for experienced owners. They have an intimidating appearance that is backed up by an even more powerful bite, and a great deal of time and energy must be expended to get them properly trained and socialized.
I don't condemn the breed outright; that'd be silly. But like bulldogs, huskies, and German shepherds, they require a lot of time and energy on the part of the owner, much more than could reasonably be expected of a first time dog owner. less

American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
I was hesitant to include this breed. While there is a very, very vocal community that defends it as a loving dog, which I don't necessarily dispute, I also favor caution ... more

Photo: BJ Producties / BJ Productions - Fotolia

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Photos: Best and worst breeds for new owners

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As I stated above, my opinions are just my own, though I welcome discussion and conversation about anything and everything I’ve written. Feel like I missed a breed? Let me know in the comments!